Stabilizer mechanism



O 1 9 R. H. GOODRICH STABILIZER MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed March 21, 1962 INVENTOR: ROSS H. GOODRICH i AGENT Oct. 12, 1965 R. H. GOODRICH STABILIZER MECHANISM Original Filed March 21, 1962 FIGS.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR: ROSS H. GOODRICH Oct. 12, 1965 R. H. GOODRICH STABILIZER MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed March 21, 1962 N hm INVENTOR.

ROSS H. GOODRICH his ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,211,499 STABILIZER MECHANISM Ross H. Goodrich, Claremont, N.H., assignor to Joy Manufacturing Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., :1 corporation of Pennsylvania Continuation of application Ser. No. 181,333, Mar. 21, 1962. This application Apr. 14, 1964, Ser. No. 360,800

7 Claims. (Cl. 299-74) This application is a continuation of my application Serial No. 181,333, filed March 21, 1962, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a stabilizer mechanism and more particularly to a stabilizer mechanism for a mobile cutting machine adopted to facilitate removal of a selected solid geological formation.

The mobile cutting machines of the type herein disclosed comprise a main frame, having spaced pairs of rubber tired wheels. An elongated cutter bar, of a type well known in the art, is articulatably mounted on the forward portion of the main frame. A flexible endless chain having cutting elements secured therein is mounted for circulation about the margins of the cutter bar. In use, the machine is positioned against a selected portion of the solid geological formation and the cutter bar is sumped forwardly into such formation. Subsequent to the sumping procedure, selectively operable power means are actuated for swinging the bar transversely relative to the main frames so as to form a kerf in the geological formation.

It has been the usual practice in prior art machines to make use of stabilizer mechanisms for maintaining the main frame into the position selected since the reactive forces derived from lateral movement of the cutter bar once it is sumped causes the entire main frame to pivot about the forward wheels thus rendering attempted lateral movements of the cutter bar ineffective.

The present invention contemplates improvements over previous cutting machines in that the stabilizing mechanism utilizes the rear bumper mastings of the machine to be selectively operable to engage the floor and roof of the underground workings prior to effecting the lateral swinging movement of the cutter bar. Generally this invention comprises a generally U-shaped member pivotally secured to the upper rear portion of the main frame and which is connected by means of hydraulic jacks so that actuation of the jacks moves such member in and out of engagement with the roof. A similar member, connected in a similar manner, is provided for engaging the floor. Control mechanisms conventional in the prior art are provided for selectively operating the associated hydraulic jacks so that the stabilizer mechanism will engage the floor and the roof of the underground workings.

The structure of this invention therefore provides a compact and simple structure incorporated in the main frame of the cutting machine for stabilizing such machine during lateral swinging movements of the forwardly extending cutting bar.

Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a new and improved stabilizer mechanism for a cutting machine which is compact, simple in construction, and requires a minimum amount of parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved stabilizer mechanism for a mineral cutting machine which prevents slewing of the cutting machine about the forward wheels during lateral swinging movements of the cutter bar.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a new and improved stabilizer mechanism for a cutting machine that is automatically operable from the operators control position.

3,211,499 Patented Oct. 12, 1965 These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view of the rear portion of the cutting machine having the stabilizer mechanism thereon constructed according to the principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right end view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a modification of the stabilizer mechanism of this invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a mobile cutting apparatus incorporating an improved stabilizer mechanism constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention.

The improved cutting machine of this invention comprises a mobile base 10 mounted on front and rear wheels 12 with the rear wheels 12 being steerable as shown in FIG. 1.

The mobile base 10 carries at its forward end a turntable 11 mounted for turning movement in a horizontal direction, said turntable supporting an adjustable kerf cutting mechanism or cutter bar 13 also movable in a horizontal direction in a manner well known in the art. A cutter chain having cutter bits 15 suitably mounted thereon is suitably disposed about the margins of the cutter bar 13 and is driven for circulation about said margins by a suitable drive means (not shown) in a manner well known in the art.

The stabilizer mechanism of this invention comprises an elongated generally U-shaped member 14 located on the upper rearward-most portion of the main frame 10 and substantially coextensive with the transverse lateral dimension of the machine. The member 14 has an elongated intermediate portion 16 and end portions 18 being generally parallel to each other and extending toward the forward portion of the base 10. Cooperable pivotal connections 20 and 22 secured to the mobile base 10 and the portions 18, respectively, are provided so that the member 14 is pivotable about a horizontal transverse axis as more clearly shown by the dotted line outline in FIG. 2.

A similarly shaped elongated member 24 is pivotably connected to the main frame 10 by suitable pivotal connections 26, one of which is shown clearly in FIG. 2. Pivotal movement of the member 24 about the pivotal connections 26 permits member 24 to engage the floor of the mine passageway as shown in dotted outline in FIG 2.

Means are provided, which are controllably and selectively operable, so that the members 14 and 24 are movable about their respective pivotal connections so that the roof and the floor, respectively, may be engaged as shown in FIG. 2. Such means comprise a pair of transversely spaced extensible devices preferably hydraulic jacks 28 having the head end thereof pivotally connected to a bracket 30 which bracket is in turn secured to the main frame 10. As shown, the head end of hydraulic jacks 28 are pivotally connected to lower pivotal connections 32 formed on bracket 30. The rod end of hydraulic jacks 28 are pivotally connected to a pivotal connection 34, secured to the lower surface of member 14 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3 hydraulic jacks 28, operatively secured to spaced apart portions of member 14, function to raise and lower the member 14 so that the roof of the mine may be engaged as desired.

In like manner the lower elongated member 24 is selectively controllably movable toward and away from the floor and the passageway by extensible members or hydraulic jacks 36 having the head end thereof respectively pivotally secured to pivotal connections 38 secured to the upper portion of the brackets 30 respectively and the rod ends pivotally securedto suitablepivotal connections 40 secured to the lower member 24. Actuation of the jacks 36 which cause elongation thereof pivotally moves member 24 about the pivotal connections 26 so that the floor of the mine passageway is engaged as clearly shown in FIG. 2.

In order to increase the effectiveness of members 14 and 24 when they are engaged with the roof and the floor respectively spaced stingers or pick points 42 are provided at the rearward upper edge of member 14 and the lower rearward edge of member 24.

The stingers 42 may be generally pyrimidal or conical in form with the apexes thereof being located to penetrate the floor and roof of the mine passageway when the stabilizing members 14 and 24 are positioned in the dotted outline position as shown in FIG. 2. Incorporation of stingers 42 on the stabilizing members 14 and 24 increases the resistance to swinging lateral movements of the main frame 10 about the forward wheels of the apparatus during lateral swinging movements of the cutter bar.

The apparatus of this invention operates as follows: The cutting machine is positioned adjacent the exposed face of the geological formation with the cutter bar positioned to form a kerf into such formation adjacent the 'floor. After initiating circulation of the cutter chain about the margins of the cutter bar the machine is 'trammed forward sumping the cutter bar into the formation. Suitable hydraulic controls, not shown, but well known in the art, are actuated for pressurizing the head end of the pair of jacks 28 and 36 in order to cause the stabilizing members 14 and 24 to engage the roof and the floor respectively, of the underground passageway. Thereafter other suitable controls are actuated for causing the cutter bar to move bodily laterally in the formation to form a kerf whose lateral dimension is substantially equal to that of the underground passageway.

During such bodily lateral movements the stabilizer member maintains the cutting machine in a stationary position.

The modification shown in FIG. 4 is, in all respects, similar to the described preferred embodiment with the exception of the shape of stabilizers 14 and 24'. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the upper and lower stabilizer members 14' and 24 respectively have laterally inwardly extending portions 46' and laterally spaced longitudinal- 1y extending portions 48 having respective pivotally cooperable connections 22'. The lower stabilizer 24 is similarly shaped and connected to the base Suitable hydraulic jacks 28 and 36' are provided for moving stabilizer members 14' and 24' in engagement with the roof and floor of the underground passageway as previously described above in connection with the preferred embodiment.

The modificaton of FIGS. 4 and 5 results in an additional advantage not attainable in the construction of the first embodiment which is attributable to the fact that the stabilizers 14 and 24 are formed as shown and described. By making the upper and lower stabilizers 14' and 24' in two parts respectively, the roof and floor of 'the underground passageway are engageable at laterally spaced points which insures maximum stabilization of the cutting machine in the event the roof or the floor or both are not generally level. Thus, for example, in the event the roof has a non-level downwardly extending projection of lesser lateral extent than the stabilizers 14 and 24 only the central portion of stabilizer 14 would be effective toprevent slewing of the cutting machine whereas the stabilizer 14, under the same circumstances, would engage the roof at laterally spaced points under such cir- 4 cumstances. The same principle holds true with regard to the stabilizers 24 and 24'.

Having described two preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be realized that modifications thereof may be made without departing from the broad scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. A mining machine comprising: an elongated mobile base having an upper portion and a lower portion; a cutter bar mounted on one end of said mobile base with such cutter bar being swingable at least in a horizontal plane; means mounted adjacent the other end of said mobile base for stabilizing such base against lateral movement; said means comprising at least one elongated upper bumper casting located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending a substantial distance in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said mobile base; said upper bumper casting being connected to the upper portion of said base for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis; at least one lower bumper casting located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending a substantial distance in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said mobile base; said lower bumper casting being connected to the lower portion of said base for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis; means connected to said base and to each of said bumper castings for pivoting said bumper castings about said horizontal axes in opposite directions above and below said upper and lower portions, respectively.

2. A mining machine comprising: an elongated mobile base having an upper portion and a lower portion; a cutter bar mounted on one end of said mobile base with such cutter bar being swingable at least in a horizontal plane; means mounted adjacent the other end of said mobile base for stabilizing such base against lateral movement; said means comprising at least one elongated upper bumper casting located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile baseextending inwardly a substantial distance from at least one side of said mobile base; said upper bumper casting being connected to the upper portion of said base for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis; at least one elongated lower bumper casting located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending laterally inwardly a substantial distance from at least one side of said mobile base; said lower bumper casting being connected to the lower portion of said base for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis; means connected to said base and to each of said bumper castings for pivoting said bumper castings about said horizontal axes in opposite directions above and below said upper and lower portions, respectively.

3. A mining machine comprising: an elongated mobile base having an upper portion and a lower portion; a cutter bar mounted on one end of said mobile base with such cutter bar being swingable at least in a horizontal plane; means mounted adjacent the other end of said mobile base for stabilizing such base against lateral movement; said means comprising at least one upper plate member having a first portion located adjacent at least one side of said base and a second portion located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending laterally inwardly a substantial distance toward the longitudinal axis of said base; said first portion connected to the upper portion of said base for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis; at least one lower plate member having a first portion located adjacent at least one side of said base and a second portion located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending laterally inwardly a substantial distance toward the longitudinal axis of said base; said first portion of said lower member being connected to the lower portion of said base for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis; means connected to said base and to each of said members for selectively pivoting said members about said horizontal axes in opposite divergent directions above and below said upper and lower portions of said base, respectively.

4. A mining machine comprising: an elongated mobile base having an upper portion and a lower portion; a cutter bar mounted on one end of said mobile base with such cutter bar being swingable at least in a horizontal plane; means mounted adjacent the other end of said mobile base for stabilizing such base; said means comprising a pair of upper bumper castings located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending laterally inwardly a substantial distance from either side of said mobile base towards the longitudinal axis of said base, said upper bumper castings being connected to the upper portion of said mobile base for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis; a pair of lower bumper castings located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending laterally inwardly a substantial distance from either side of said mobile base towards the longitudinal axis of said base, said lower bumper castings connected to the lower portion of said mobile base for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis; means connected to said base and to each of said upper bumper castings for pivoting said upper bumper castings about said first horizontal axis upwardly and above said upper portion of the mobile base; and means connected to said base and to each of said lower bumper castings for pivoting said lower bumper castings about said second horizontal axis downwardly and below said lower portion of the mobile base.

5. A mining machine comprising: an elongated mobile base having an upper portion and a lower portion; a cutter bar mounted on one end of said mobile base with such cutter bar being swingable at least in a horizontal plane; means mounted adjacent the other end of said mobile base for stabilizing such base against lateral movement; said means comprising a pair of upper plate members having first portions, respectively, located at opposite sides of said base and second portions, respectively, located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending laterally inwardly a substantial distance toward the longitudinal axis of said base; said first portions connected to the upper portion of said base for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis; a pair of lower plate members having first portions, respectively, at opposite sides of said base and second portions, respectively, located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and extending laterally inwardly a substantial distance toward the longitudinal axis of said base; said first portions of said lower members being connected to the lower portion of said base for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis; means connected to said base and to each of said members for selectively pivoting said members about said horizontal axes in opposite divergent directions above and below said upper and lower portions of said base, respectively.

6. A mining machine comprising: an elongated mobile base having an upper portion and a lower portion; a cutter bar mounted on one end of said mobile base with such cutter bar being swingable at least in a horizontal plane; means mounted adjacent the other end of said mobile base for stabilizing such base against lateral movement; said means comprising an upper elongated plate member located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and having end portions located adjacent each side of said mobile base and connected thereto for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis; a lower elongated plate member located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and having end portions located adjacent each side of said mobile base and connected thereto for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis; and means connected to said base and to each of said plate members for pivoting said plate members about said horizontal axes in opposite directions above and below said upper and lower portions, respectively.

7. A mining machine comprising: an elongated mobile base having an upper portion and a lower portion; a cutter bar mounted on one end of said mobile base with such cutter bar being swingable at least in a horizontal plane; means mounted adjacent the other end of said mobile base for stabilizing such base against lateral movement; said means comprising an upper plate member located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and having end portions and an intermediate portion connecting said end portions; said end portions located adjacent each side of said mobile base and connected thereto for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis; said intermediate portion extending across the width of said base; a lower plate member located longitudinally beyond said other end of said mobile base and having end portions and an intermediate portion connecting said end portions; said end portions of said lower member located adjacent each side of said mobile base and connected thereto for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis; said intermediate portion of said lower member extending across the width of said base; and means connected to said base and to each of said plate members for pivoting said plate members about said horizontal axes in opposite directions above and below said upper and lower portions, respectively.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 753,477 3/04 Drake. 1,317,812 10/19 Noble. 1,648,879 11/27 Holmes.

CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner,

BENJAMIN HERSH, Examiner, 

1. A MINING MACHINE COMPRISING: AN ELONGATED MOBILE BASE HAVING AN UPPER PORTION AND A LOWER PORTION; A CUTTER BAR MOUNTED ON ONE END OF SAID MOBILE BASE WITH SUCH CUTTER BAR BEING SWINGABLE AT LEAST IN A HORIZONTAL PLANE; MEANS MOUNTED ADJACENT THE OTHER END OF SAID MOBILE BASE FOR STABILIZING SUCH BASE AGAINST LATERAL MOVEMENT; SAID MEANS COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE ELONGATED UPPER BUMPER CASTING LOCATED LONGITUDINALLY BEYOND SAID OTHER END OF SAID MOBILE BASE AND EXTENDING A SUBSTANTIAL DISTANCE IN A DIRECTION TRANSVERSE TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF SAID MOBILE BASE; SAID UPPER BUMPER CASTING BEING CONNECTED TO THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID BASE FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT ABOUT A FIRST HORIZONTAL AXIS; AT LEAST ONE LOWER BUMPER CASTING LOCATED LONGITUDINALLY BEYOND SAID OTHER END OF SAID MOBILE BASE AND EXTENDING A SUBSTANTIAL DIS- 